Tool: Spaceport Field Guide (SpFG)
The Spaceport Field Guide (SpFG) is a Google Earth-compatible file developed by SpaceWorks Commercial that provides a database of worldwide launch sites and associated facilities. The tool offers information about global spaceports including location, current and potential facilities, current and potential launch vehicles, and a rating of operational readiness (as defined by a Spaceport Readiness Level or SpRL). The tool is available for free download from the SpaceWorks Commercial website. SpaceWorks Commercial, a division of SpaceWorks Engineering, Inc. (SEI), provides this software as an educational service to the community. Google Earth is available for free download. Spaceport Field Guide (SpFG) is available for direct download at the following location (as one .kmz file):
SpaceWorks Spaceport Field Guide (SpFG) - version 1.023 [Google Earth .kmz file]
Note: The Spaceport Field Guide (SpFG) is a free tool developed for the general community. SpaceWorks Commercial has attempted to compile accurate data, however we make no assertion as to the complete accuracy of data. SpaceWorks Commercial is open to and requests users to submit updated data and/or corrections so future versions will be more accurate. To provide updates/corrections please email SpaceWorks Commercial at: commercial@sei.aero.
The Spaceport Field Guide contains two levels of data, broken out into Level 1 (spaceport) and Level 2 (specific facilities at that spaceport). Thus we would like to include as much detail about facilities (launch pads, launch control complexes, runways, integration facilities, test stands, etc.) as possible. We are open to adding specific facilities information (about existing or planned facilities). Specific information we would accept would include a facility name and its corresponding latitude/longitude coordinate. Also, any specific maps of the spaceport with latitude/longitude information would also be helpful.
An online help document is available for the Spaceport Field Guide:
Spaceport Field Guide (SpFG) User's Guide - version 1.000 [PDF document]
A press release is also available:
Press Release Announcing Spaceport Field Guide (10 February 2010)
Spaceport Readiness Level (SpRL)
The SpFG categorizes facilities by using a new parameter called a Spaceport Readiness Level (SpRL). The SpRL is a quantitative parameter similar to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale. It relates, on a scale from 0 to 4, how ready the spaceport is to handle operational suborbital and orbital flights. The Spaceport Readiness Level (SpRL) serves as a quick reference to the operational status of global government and commercial spaceports. The scale ranges from a value of zero (inactive spaceport) to four (fully operational spaceport). Two SpRLs are assigned to each spaceport, one indicating the spaceport’s suborbital launch capability and one indicating its orbital launch capability.
SpRL Scale Value |
Short Name |
Definition |
0 |
Inactive |
There is no plan or interest in establishing spaceport operations, or the spaceport has been inactive for more than five (5) years. |
1 |
Preliminary |
There are notional or preliminary plans for development of a spaceport. A potential geographic location for a spaceport and/or individual(s)/organization(s) that will be involved in its development have been identified. |
2 |
Prepatory |
A specific geographic location and physical space (land) have been located and secured (purchase, lease, grant, etc.). There may be limited test facilities located within the spaceport area. |
3 |
Developmental |
Development/construction is underway for operational (i.e. non-test) infrastructure. Relevant regulatory/legal applications have been initiated or are in-process (environmental, nation state, international legal regulations). |
4 |
Operational |
The spaceport is deemed operational. All relevant assessments have been performed and spaceport licenses have been obtained. . Launch vehicle operators (commercial or government) can use the site, or it is already actively used. If the spaceport has been operational for more than five (5) calendar years, there has been at least one (1) operational (i.e. non test-related) launch within that period of five (5) calendar years. |
Notes:
-Spaceports are assigned two separate and independent SpRL values for orbital and sub-orbital operational capability. . Since the operational constructs of an orbital-capable spaceport may differ from those of a sub-orbital spaceport, assignment of two separate SpRL values more thoroughly represents the overall spaceport capabilities. For example, a spaceport may be capable of hosting sub-orbital launches while still in the developmental stages for orbital capability.
-Operational status makes no distinction between vertical versus horizontal take-off/landing, or any other technical characteristics of the spaceport-specific concept of operations.
-Test flights could occur at multiple SpRL values for a spaceport. The SpRL indicates the operational capability of the spaceport and makes no qualification about the ability for the spaceport to host test flights.
-Vehicle and spaceport licenses could be separate and not directly related. In many regulatory frameworks, including that of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, vehicles must obtain an Operator’s License separately from the blank license necessary for the spaceport. The SpRL system of categorization indicates the spaceport’s readiness, which may differ from the readiness of the vehicles of potential customers intending to launch from that spaceport.
Disclaimer
This software is provided "AS IS," without a warranty of any kind. ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. SPACEWORKS ENGINEERING, INC. (SEI) AND ITS LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITIES SUFFERED BY LICENSEE AS A RESULT OF OR RELATING TO USE, MODIFICATION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THE SOFTWARE OR ITS DERIVATIVES. IN NO EVENT WILL SPACEWORKS ENGINEERING, INC. (SEI) OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST REVENUE, PROFIT OR DATA, OR FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, HOWEVER CAUSED AND REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF SPACEWORKS ENGINEERING, INC. (SEI) HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
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